Covid parole: 568 prisoners to be released in first phase

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the second wave of Covid intensifies, 568 prisoners will be released from state jails on parole in the first phase. Among this, most are those eligible for parole in 2021 and those above 60 years of age. A few have started to leave but elderly will only be released if relatives volunteer to pick them up.

Parole is for those in central prisons and women's and open prisons. As in the previous year, more people are being granted parole to prevent the spread of Covid in prisons. Parole is currently granted for two weeks, but may be extended. Those who have not yet been granted parole and are over 60 years of age are eligible for parole granted in the Covid context. Parole will not be granted to those involved in anti-national, POCSO and trafficking cases. The prison department may submit a recommendation to the government to grant parole to more prisoners in the coming days. Although the vast majority of prison staff have received the Covid vaccine, the vaccination of prisoners has not reached anywhere. There are about 8000 prisoners in 54 jails in the state.